Self Service Key Duplicating Machine with Automatic Key Model Identification System

1. An automatic key duplicating machine, comprising: a master key identification module including at least one key blade cross-section detector with a plurality of sliding elements configured to slide in a thickness direction of the master key, the master key identification module being configured to determine a key type for a master key based at least on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with at least one side of a blade profile of the master key; a key extraction module configured to retrieve a key blank of an identified key type; and a key cutting module configured to cut the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.

2. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , wherein the master key identification module further includes a blade length sensor configured to determine a length of the master key, wherein the key type for the master key is also determined based on the length.

3. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , further comprising: a master key clamping module configured to receive and secure the master key.

4. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sliding elements include a plurality of sliding element pairs, each of the plurality of sliding element pairs having a profile corresponding to a different key type.

5. A method of automatically duplicating a master key, comprising: moving a plurality of sliding elements in a thickness direction of the master key such that the elements engage with a blade of the master key; determining a key type for the master key based at least on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with at least one side of a blade profile of the master key; retrieving a key blank of an identified key type; and cutting the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: determining a length of the master key, wherein the key type for the master key is also determined based on the length.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of sliding elements include a plurality of sliding element pairs, each of the plurality of sliding element pairs having a profile corresponding to a different key type.